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At just 16 years old, sophomore Seaira Hughes got her first tattoo on her thigh. Despite her age, her parents allowed her to get the tattoo because it’s something she has wanted for many years.

“I’ve wanted a tattoo for years because my father was always getting new tattoos and I was jealous and wanted to get one too,” Hughes said. “My mother and father both have tattoos and agreed that as long as I wasn’t getting some crazy vulgar design, it was okay. They didn’t see any reason to tell me I couldn’t get the tattoo.”

Even though age wasn’t a problem in Hughes’ family, it can be for others when a minor decides to get a tattoo. Most tattoo shops require clients to be at least 18 years old or have parental consent. Because of this, children without consent often get it done unprofessionally and without proper regulation.

“All the shops I know of you must be at least 16 and have the consent of a parental figure, but some won’t work on you at all until you’re 18,” Hughes said. “There are plenty of artists that do not work in shops though that will tattoo you younger and without parental permission, but you do have to be more cognizant when not in a regulated shop.”

Although some people start out small, that was not the case for Hughes. She decided to get a floral design on her right thigh.

“I decided to get the tattoo on my thigh because I can easily wear normal clothes to cover it if need be, and I heard the thigh would be less painful than other spots,” Hughes said.

Photo courtesy of Seaira HughesHughes’ finished tattoo.

Hughes’ father didn’t only influence her idea of getting a tattoo, but his connections also helped lower the cost of the tattoo.

“The [initial] cost [of my tattoo was] $200 at Tattooed in the Wild Studio, and took around two and a half hours to finish in one sitting,” Hughes said. “The artist is very close

Because Hughes is an underclassman with a tattoo, she has noticed other people’s attraction to the design, but does not feel like she has gained friends solely because of her tattoo.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve gained popularity or friends from my tattoo but a lot of people are curious about it. People will stop me and ask to see it and things like that but nothing crazy,” Hughes said.

Hughes participates in both soccer and cheerleading, which both show her tattoo. Although it is not a problem in soccer, her tattoo will impact her for cheer season.

“Having a tattoo has not impacted soccer in anyway, but my cheer coach is going to make me cover it for cheer competitions and football games,” Hughes said.

With no regrets after getting her first tattoo, Hughes hopes to get another one this summer and many more after that.

“I do not regret anything about my tattoo, I adore it and can’t wait to get more,” Hughes said. “I want to add onto my current one up my hip and waist and my next tat will be a design on my arm this summer.”